CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: RobF on February 03, 2007, 05:05:08 PM

Title: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: RobF on February 03, 2007, 05:05:08 PM
My repro Delco battery finally died after 8 years (I never thought it would last that long!).  I called NPD, where I purchased the last one and they do not carry them anymore because of too many issues. 

Can anyone recommend a place to buy them now (any vendors in Michigan??)??  Are there different companies making them?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: Jerry@CHP on February 03, 2007, 08:18:06 PM
Only one vendor is making these batteries now and they are hell to deal with.  They are also very expensive, based in OH.  We have a thread on this site about this vendor.

Jerry
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: lakeholme on February 04, 2007, 12:28:33 PM
In other words, when NPD (just got their new catalog) and others put "CALL" in the place of price, it means we may have a problem.  That's generally been my experience.  JohnZ is suggesting the present Delco battery as a substitute.  Does it look like an R-59 or is it "flat-topped" like most other present day batteries?  Also, would a topper fit almost any present day battery?
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: JohnZ on February 04, 2007, 04:07:54 PM
The current Delco model #24-7YR replacement accepts the "topper" that makes it look like an R-59; I wouldn't waste my money on any of the "reproduction" batteries.
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: Pacecarjeff on February 04, 2007, 06:30:35 PM
The exid battery sold at Walmart is a flat top also. 
The toppers work well for the camaro.
My A/C corvette is another story- battery faces sideways.

I am in the middle of figuring out how I can use an old repro case.
to hide a late model battery inside.

So far not having much luck, but I will not buy another one of the reproduction batterys - they don't last.

I need a solution before Feb. 24th.
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: camaronut on February 04, 2007, 08:05:51 PM
After a third time, I successfully "hollowed-out" an old R59 battery that one of my friends gave me, thinking that I could put another battery inside it.....

Well, the story is...nothing will fit inside except a small dry cell battery made from Odyssey battery.  Alot of racers use them beacause of weight.

The only problem is the low cold cranking amperage of these units (~250-300 CCA).

I've chosen which battery to get...just got to order it.  I know batteries in the sixties were around this range, hopefully it will work, but I doubt it.  Starting a cold engine takes alot of sustained power.

I'm going to use cables internally hooked-up to the original battery terminals and hook them up to the smaller battery.

I'll post my results.

The battery topper is not the way I want to go....I've seen them, and I'm not impressed.  If you compare the size of a "topper" vs. an original R59, the topper is slightly larger because it needs to fit the new Delco maintenance-free battery.


Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: lakeholme on February 05, 2007, 02:40:16 PM
I'm interested in what you guys work out... 
It only stands to reason that a present day battery will not fit inside the repo. case, as they have similar dimensions.  What we need is a way to get a good battery's "guts" in a repo case (or original). 
At this point I'm still swayed by John's idea above --especially for a driver. 
But I've got till April to decide.  Let us know what you decide!
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: sam on February 05, 2007, 03:13:26 PM
Why does it seem so hard/expensive for somebody to make a good reliable repro battery that looks correct and lasts. With all the high dollar restos and supply houses out there you would think this would be a no brainer in todays world. ???
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: Pacecarjeff on February 05, 2007, 04:49:23 PM
It used to be very easy.
New Castle Battery Company- made a reliable repro battery for around $100-$150.
Aparently they should have been selling it for more, because they went out of business.

They were very nice to buy from, and pro-rated the batterys for replacement when they failed.
And they frequently did just that. but you got a few years anywaysfrom each one.

They are gone, and now Restoration battery co. is selling them for $250+

At the last show I saw that they are taking one of those smaller Honda optimium batterys,
and putting those inside a prefab case, withl a small cable system inside.

Easy enough - I thought- Last I heard  -- Optimim was having problems with that smaller battery,
and they were being recalled, and backordered. I couldn't get one of the "High Crankers" anywhere.

That was a bunch of months back, and I have not looked any further. I really just forgot about it all.

Will start after after this again pretty soon. 
My battery is gutted and ready for whatever I can find to go in.
Important to have 500 CCA's or you will have starting problems :-\
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: Jerry@CHP on February 05, 2007, 05:05:02 PM
How about installing one of the Oddessy racing gel batteries in the Delco case?  They are small and 950 CCA's.  I'm sure that's what our Battery buddies in OH are doing.  They're new Delco repro batteries sound like a hollow drum when you tap on the top.

New Castle was the best!  It's a shame they're gone!

Jerry
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: Jerry@CHP on February 05, 2007, 05:06:35 PM
Hey Mike.........Cheapy,

I have an old Oddessy battery if you want to come up to the shop and see if you can fit one of them in the case,

Jerry
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: Pacecarjeff on February 05, 2007, 06:10:35 PM
I would be interested to hear which one would fit.
Some of those racing batterys are getting pretty close to $200.

At that point - just buy the repro.
The new cases Resto Bat is using now are different - there is more room inside.
Also they have a unique terminal/ cable system.

when you gut an old one you have all the lead plate mounts, and posts to deal with.
Also the walls are much thicker. (because it was a real battery)
Maybe it would be bettter to buy one from them, Then - when that fails.
THEN you can replace the insides of the repro one. ???

I thought about that too.
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: Jerry@CHP on February 05, 2007, 06:33:43 PM
$140 for the Odessy plus shipping,

Jerry
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: MMMM_ERT on February 05, 2007, 07:29:52 PM
Why does it seem so hard/expensive for somebody to make a good reliable repro battery that looks correct and lasts. With all the high dollar restos and supply houses out there you would think this would be a no brainer in todays world. ???

It's all about the $$$$$$$...  keeps you buying them.   ;)

For example...I bought the correct color coded hoses to replace my RS vacuum lines when I restored my car.  That kit was expensive....  Within 6 months those pretty color-coded hoses were crumbling and cracked.  Boy was I mad.  >:(   I wasn't about to pay that price again for the kit... I went down and bought some standard black vacuum hoses  from the auto-parts store and they are still good 11 years later.
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: Pacecarjeff on February 05, 2007, 07:40:43 PM
Batterys are different.
Even back then they were not dependeble.
The resto guys were using 40 year old technology. (that is what everyone wanted)
Now with the new maintance free style - they really should be better.

but don't quote me on that. :)
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: camaronut on February 06, 2007, 01:25:17 PM
Hey Jer...

Give the Odyessy battery to Norm if he gets to the shop today...

I'll let you in on the % of profits.... ;D

Cheapy...yep that's me!

Spring Lake, IA ??????  Holy schmats it must been cold!!!

Hope you guys had a good time.
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: Pacecarjeff on February 06, 2007, 03:09:52 PM
Here is a picture of my gutted DC-12
I want to use this in my 66 Corvette.

The inside measurments are 9.5" X 5.75" X 7' deep.
If one of those racing batterys will fit - I am very interested. (http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/111/111196/folders/255127/2097477IMG0656.JPG)

(http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/111/111196/folders/255127/2097478IMG0657.JPG)
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: Jerry@CHP on February 07, 2007, 01:50:40 AM
Mike,

I just noticed that the terminals are too close togther.......it's smaller.  Don't think it will work.  I'll measure tomorrow.

Jerry
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: Pacecarjeff on February 07, 2007, 02:03:31 AM
The terminals don't have to be in the same place, as long has the height of the battery includes the terminal.
If the whole battery will fit inside - that's all you need....
Or, actually a side post will work better.
I would use a terminal flat strap system and go from the side posts ,
then screw the strap into the bottom of the lead posts on the inside of the original case.
Find a battery that will fit inside - I can make it work. :)
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: camaronut on February 07, 2007, 04:42:20 PM
Jer..

Pacecarjeff is right.

I found something that is better that an Odyessy, with over 550CCA....and will fit inside w/o problems.  Unfortunately it's kinda pricy....($275.00).

But if the repros only last for two years, it still might be better in the long run.

Here's the interior dimensions for a gutted R59: 9-3/8" wide x 5-7/8" deep x no more than 6-3/4" high.

The only Odyessy batteries that fit and may work is a PC680, PC625 & PC635.  The only problem is cold start-up....

If you have one of these, I'll get it from you.

Thanks ol' buddy.... ;)

Mike
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: Pacecarjeff on February 13, 2007, 07:53:43 PM
Here is the one I found.  Less then $100 delivered.
From Odyssey (thanks Jerry)

Model PC680
    * 525 cranking amps for 20 seconds
    * Length 7 1/16"
    * Width 2 15/16"
    * Height 6 9/16"
    * Weighs less than 14.5 lbs
    * 2 year full warranty

Odyssey Compact Battery (http://www.odysseybatteries.com/battery/pc680.htm)

 ;D
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: Pacecarjeff on February 13, 2007, 08:15:46 PM
Just changed to this one. the 925 got worried about the cranking power.
It will also fit - $125 delivered
PC 925 Specs:

    * 765 cranking amps for 20 seconds
   
    * Length 6 15/32"
    * Width 6 7/8"
    * Height 4 7/8"
    * Weighs 23 lbs

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/battery/pc925.htm
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: daytonakid on February 15, 2007, 04:40:49 AM
I'm a dealer for a company that should have maintenence free reproduction R-59 batteries available later in march. Just waiting for the GM paperwork to go through. They should be in the 245-265 range delivered. bill@eastportlandautobody.com
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: Pacecarjeff on February 15, 2007, 05:43:08 AM
They should be in the 245-265 range delivered.

That is what I am trying to avoid.  Expensive batterys that only last a year or so.
How long are they guarenteed?
Will you sell an empty case?
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: daytonakid on February 15, 2007, 01:54:22 PM
They are guaranted for 4 years. I don't think they will sell an empty case. Bill
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: Pacecarjeff on February 15, 2007, 02:01:07 PM
Keep me posted.  I would really like to find a very nice and sturdy repro.

As long as they are not the same as the restoration battery design?
when you thump on their case, you can easily tell it is hollow.
Those cases they make are very thin.

Boy do I miss New Castle Battery Co. 
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: camaronut on February 15, 2007, 05:27:58 PM
GOT IT TO WORK!!!!!!! ;D

Used a DEKA Power Sports battery with 4 ga. wires, and it cranked the car (sitting at +32F) for 45sec w/o slowing down at all. 

When I gave the car little gas, it started right up......

All for under $100....

The battery has a shelf life of two years, 365 CAA (which I took to my local Battery Warehouse and tested it for up to 450 real CCA), and will last for up to 7 years......Fits inside the shell with plenty of room to spare...

Problem solved....

Now for full production......... ::).
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: Pacecarjeff on February 15, 2007, 10:28:35 PM
Nice Job.
Any pictures.
Did you buy the cables, or make them?

I guess the one I ordered is going to be overkill.

OdysseyPC 925 Specs:

    * 925 cranking amps for 5 seconds
    * 870 cranking amps for 10 seconds
    * 765 cranking amps for 20 seconds

Just always worry about getting stuck with a low battery.

Sometimes the car sits at a show all evening with the underhood light lit.
Don't want to take any chances - everyone always seems to recommends 500 or more CCA.
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: camaronut on February 16, 2007, 12:03:21 AM
Pacer...

Made the cables myself out of 4ga copper stranded wires with lugs crimped-on to both ends...

I forgot to mention that the wires wern't even warm after my little experiment....

I agree with the >500 CCA, but I don't keep anything on during shows or cruise nights....

Btw, are you sure about the fit of the 925?  The measurements I have tell me that the 925 is too-big...

I hope I'm wrong for your sake.... :-\

Good Luck....
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: Pacecarjeff on February 16, 2007, 02:02:36 AM
I hope you are wrong too. ;)

They said that the measures are a a shade bigger then the actual battery.
And is sits in a metal and removable shell.
Since it will be inside another case, they said I could remove the metal shel.
The only measurement that I am concerned is the height.
My measures are conservitive too,
And actually, I could grind down the repro shell a little bit more on the inside top.

If it fits, it will put me at ease, because my 66 Corvette is 11,5 to 1...
And sometimes takes a bit to get it started sometimes.  (It sits a lot more then get's driven)

The Vette is an A/C car, and the battery faces sideways for all to see.
That is why the topper is no good.

High compression, needs a lot more CCA's

Should have it early next week.

Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: daytonakid on February 16, 2007, 05:51:41 AM
The repro batteries I'm selling are made by the company that bought new castle. If you are interested send me an email at work and when they ae available I'll let you know. bill@eastportlandautobody.com
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: Pacecarjeff on February 19, 2007, 09:49:08 PM
Got it - it fits just fine - I will feel better with 925 CCA.

(http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/111/111196/folders/67366/2106113batt.JPG)

I screwed the cables into the bottom of the posts with 4ga cable.
(http://216.77.188.54/coDataImages/p/Groups/111/111196/folders/67366/2106114battery.JPG)

Next is to seal it up, so it wont move around in the case - thinking about that foam "great stuff"
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: camaronut on February 20, 2007, 01:35:22 AM
Pacer...

That is nice...great fit too!!! 

Just be careful with that metal outer case.....man if that somehow shorts-out the two top posts, it's gonna remind you of July 4th real fast!!!! and ...I'm not thinking that the insurance co. will understand too well....

Either way.........your cabling is just like mine....and hooked-up the same way.....

I wonder if your battery is taller than a R59???

I used some high-density foam (UL94V-0 Flame rated - Flameproof) to keep the battery from moving around inside.

I also used a sheetmetal plate matching the bottom of the battery tray to keep the battery from falling over in the "trench" that's built into the tray in a 69 Camaro.  Makes it totally flat across the bottom of the battery..

Again..looks good!!!

Congrats....I think we could be onto something here ;D
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: Pacecarjeff on February 21, 2007, 07:56:44 PM
I used some high-density foam (UL94V-0 Flame rated - Flameproof) to keep the battery from moving around inside.

Where did you find that foam, I'm having trouble finding somethiing that is fire rated?
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: sdkar on February 21, 2007, 09:02:28 PM
Hey Daytonakid,

What about the side post batteries for the late 69 Camaro?  Any plans on making these as well?

Steve
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: camaronut on February 22, 2007, 01:02:32 PM
Pacer,

Found some foam like that at work..... ::)

The easiest way to find out for sure is to light up a small sample about 1 inch wide, 4 inches long, 1/2 in thick.  Keep it in a horizontal position.  It should not keep the flame burning.....if it keeps the flame burning, go to another foam.....

It's a crap-shoot unless you know what the material is....

BTW, I think that the expandable foam "Great Stuff" is flame rated...look on the side of the can and look for any info on flammability issues AFTER it dries and is fully cured....You won't need but a little on each side to make the battery stay inside.  You'll might need to remove the battery again for some reason later-on.

I might do that instead of the foam....
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: Pacecarjeff on February 26, 2007, 07:41:41 PM
Worked flawlessly.

I used FR rated A/C pipe insulation, filled the center with that "great Stuff" (GS)
Just pushed it up sideways to just below 1/2 way to the top.
Then filled the bottom section with more GS.
Turned the battery upright, and let it harden for 24 hours.
It expanded very tight against the battery inside - will not slide out.

Using your sugestion (just in case)
I put a piece of sheet metal down to cover the valley of the battery pan.

Left the car sit all day at a show on Sunday - started no problem.

I had tested the GS with an open flame a few days earlier.
Found after it had curred it would not hold a flame - just melted.
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: camaronut on February 27, 2007, 01:35:23 PM
Pacer,

Looked at some GS yesterday night and I got turned off on it because of the temperature warning of +240F...It seems not to like being in real hot situations....

But on the other hand, does it get that hot under the hood?

Either way, sounds like a good idea on the foam / AC hose deal....I'll might try that....


Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: Pacecarjeff on February 27, 2007, 07:51:08 PM
I don't think it will get anywhere near 240 degrees under there.
If it did your engine would boil over for sure.
And anyways the battery sits to the front of the grill.

After running the car - I certainly won't touch the radiator, or engine componets.
But the battery stays pretty cool - or the water would have boiled out.

On the Corvette it sits off to the side behind the fender 'gills".

I am pretty happy so far - Will be ready as soon as my next resto battery fails  ::)
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: camaronut on February 27, 2007, 08:54:50 PM
I love it when a plan comes together!!!

 ;D
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: detfox on February 27, 2008, 11:16:30 PM
The current Delco model #24-7YR replacement accepts the "topper" that makes it look like an R-59; I wouldn't waste my money on any of the "reproduction" batteries.
I realize this is an old POST, but I've been told that the 24-7YR has been discontinued.  So which one do I get for my LA 04B Z28.  According to CRG the LA cars still used the top post until after 05 and the positive was on the side closest to the fender.
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: Pacecarjeff on February 27, 2008, 11:38:40 PM
Just did a topper battery for a friends 69 SS.
I found a flat top 24 at NAPA.

A year has gone by, and that racing battery still is performing perfectly.
I keep a tender on it, and have not had a single problem.
Title: Re: Repro Delco R-59 Battery - Best Place to Buy??
Post by: detfox on February 27, 2008, 11:57:20 PM
Thanks Jeff, I'll check with NAPA